Some days suck. We’ve prepared our speech, we’re ready to go, but for some reason our mind and body start to go all wacky. We feel physically weak. All the negative “what-ifs” start flickering about. These are the days we silently wish would never come. This happened to me on the day of the Toastmasters club speech contest for the Toastmasters International Speech Contest—the starting point in an … Read More
Get Vulnerable And Get Over Your Fear Of Public Speaking
One of the biggest roadblocks that prevent people from overcoming the fear of public speaking is refusing to admit that it exists…at least when asked about it.In fact, in AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), the very FIRST step in their Twelve Step program to overcoming addiction, is to admit there is one. The same can be said for overcoming a fear as terrifying … Read More
A Breakdown Of The 2016 Public Speaking Championship Speech
I recently came across a breakdown of the 2016 World Champion of Public Speaking’s winning speech. Overall, it was a good, easy to consume article. However, I wanted to chop it up even more to reveal the power elements that go into a championship-worthy speech. With that, I decided to do my own surgical breakdown that would make a surgeon smile. If you … Read More
Tactical Talks TOP 5: The Best Public Speaking Articles On The Web – Vol. #6
ROUND 6 OF SCAVENGING BEGINS! Each month I will scour the interwebz looking for the best articles on public speaking.I’ll be looking for topics like these:Overcoming the fear of public speakingPresentation tipsBody language and other technical speaking tipsAnd anything in between…I’m looking for the interesting, the fascinating, the practical, and anything with worthwhile information to help you become a better communicator. … Read More
You Don’t Stand A Chance of Becoming A “Better Speaker” Unless You Do This
Want to know a terrible goal? “Becoming a better speaker” Horrible I tell ya. It was my very first goal when I decided to jump into public speaking. It was a sad excuse for a goal. When you want to progress in speaking, you need momentum.And you can’t get momentum by having broad goals. You can definitely decide that you want to be … Read More
An Ugly, Straightforward Way To Live Happier
I finally found the secret to a happy life, and even a happy world. Get your pad and pen ‘cause you’re going to want to write this down.Oh…my…god (in my best valley girl voice)! It’s so incredible!Here goes.The secret to a happy life is…Get ready……being productive.Can you say anticlimactic? Sorry. I told you it was ugly. I’ll cue up the … Read More
2016 Toastmasters International Convention – Tactical Talks
Toastmasters International Speech Contest is happening this year. And I’m going! My friend Joe Rodriguez will be competing this year in D.C., and I can’t wait to cheer him on. If you’re attending, please do the same! About this guy… Howdy! My name is Matt Kramer and I used to suffer excruciating death when speaking in front of a group, now … Read More
How Constant Challenge Can Change Your Life
Do you challenge yourself on purpose?I’m referring to any activity that puts a beat down on you. Perhaps physically? Maybe mentally? Even emotionally? All of the above?There are fitness exercises, memory games like this one, bikini waxes (ouch!), trying to sit down for an extended period of time without thinking (meditation), public speaking, cold showers, rock climbing, skydiving, and so many … Read More
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Speech Gets Dissected!
I’ve been seeing a lot of speech critiques lately. With the political chicken-wings flapping around, I guess I can understand why.One on Hillary Clinton. Another on Michelle Obama. And don’t forget about Donald Trump.Well, I’ve had just about enough of that! The only thing those kinds of speeches are good for is if you want to watch the same person debate … Read More
How To Use Visualizations To Free Yourself From Negativity
One thing that’s sure to limit our potential as human beings, is worrying about what people think about us.Terry Cole-Whittaker wrote a wonderfully-titled book called What You Think of Me is None of My Business.Damn straight it’s not…at least it shouldn’t be.The nature of growing up in packs (communities), such as going through school, church, or even playing sports, has … Read More